When Jake Raulerson was a little kid his father once told him
sarcastically if he ever made an All-American game he would buy him a Ferrari.

It was a joke, but becoming an All-American was always a goal for the Celina,
Texas Rivals100 standout. Even without a Ferrari as motivation, he had his
sights set. On Friday, Raulerson took a step closer to reaching the goal as he
was presented as a U.S. Army All-American.

"When I was a little kid I always thought I want to be that guy on TV one day,
playing in that game in front of those people," Raulerson said. "It's a huge
honor. Especially playing in front of our Armed Forces, it's a great honor."

As an Army All-American, Raulerson is well aware of the guys who have gone
before him. He has paid close attention as the likes of Adrian Peterson, Vince
Young and Tim Tebow have put their talents on display at the Alamodome in San
Antonio. On Feb. 5, 2013 Raulerson will have his turn as a member of the West
team.

"I don't think it's really hit me yet," Raulerson said. "It's a huge honor to be
in there with those guys. I feel like it's not real yet, and it's a surreal
feeling to know I'll be playing in the game. It's an elite fraternity. Not a lot
of people get to be a part of it. I'm just excited to have an opportunity to
play in the game and be mentioned alongside guys like that."

While he waits for reality to set in, he looks forward to one particular
opportunity he will see in San Antonio.

"Just to be able to play with those guys," Raulerson said. "All of those guys
are great guys. All of those athletes are great guys and going out on that field
and playing with those guys before we go off to college and play against each
other. Just going out and competing against each other. I've always been about
competition."

If there's anything that has been known about Raulerson, it's his competitive
nature. So it comes as little surprise that while this is a big honor and a goal
achieved, it is one of many Raulerson has on his mind.

"It's great. It's hardwork paying off. I'm not by any means there yet,"
Raulerson said. "I'm still working towards my goals and this is one of the goals
I set along the way. I'm excited about it. I'm very happy and blessed to say I'm
going to play in the U.S. Army All-American game. It's surreal."

It may seem surreal but Friday, in front of his family and friends, one longtime
dream became very real.